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Belgradkapı is a small neighborhood in Istanbul, Turkey, that straddles the historic Theodosian Walls of Constantinople.
Introduction to Belgradkapı
Belgradkapı takes its name from the Belgrade Gate (Belgrad Kapısı), which corresponds to the Byzantine Xylokerkos Gate (Πύλη τοῦ Ξυλοκέρκου). The Ottomans named the gate after Serbian artisans who were resettled there following Süleyman the Magnificent‘s conquest of Belgrade in 1521. Today, the only reminder of the Serbs who once lived in the area is an Orthodox church; it’s believed they rest either assimilated or returned to Serbia.
Belgradkapı spans both the Zeytinburnu and Fatih districts, lying north of Yedikule and south of Silivrikapı and Sümbül Efendi. Aside from the Belgradkapı Visitor Center on the Theodosian Walls, there’s not much to draw visitors here.
Panagia of Belgrade Greek Orthodox Church
Inside the gate is the Panagia of Belgrade Greek Orthodox Church (Παναγία Βελιγραδίου / Belgradkapı Panayia Rum Ortodoks Kilisesi). The original church was built in 1523 by resettled Serbs and dedicated to St. Paraskevi, whose relics were housed there until they were moved to the Pammakaristos Church in 1539.
The present church was constructed in 1837 by Greek architect Hadji Nikolaos. It measures 24.24 meters long by 14.58 meters wide and stands 9.5 meters high. The layout includes a central nave flanked by two aisles and features elegant woodwork. A cross above the door to the courtyard is dated 1895.
The church was nearly destroyed during the 1955 Istanbul pogrom. Rioters broke in and set it on fire, destroying the iconostasis, icons, and all relics. Renovation took the next 10 years, with another renovation occurring in 1999.
Peace and Culture Statue
Just outside the gate, in the middle of an intersection, stands the Peace and Culture Statue (Barış ve Kültür Heykeli). Erected in 2001, it depicts three hands holding up a half-globe adorned with olive branches. The hands represent the Turkish, Greek, and Armenian communities of Zeytinburnu, while the three olive branches symbolize peace.
